Dimensional accuracy of different techniques used for complete-arch multi-implant impressions

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthetics
• Implant dentistry
• Materials science in dentistry

Background:

• Accurate dental implant impressions are crucial for fabricating well-fitting prostheses.
• Direct transfer impression techniques are commonly used but their dimensional accuracy can vary.
• Evaluating impression techniques is essential for improving clinical outcomes in implant restorations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the linear horizontal dimensional accuracy of stone casts from four direct transfer implant impression techniques.
• To assess accuracy against a master acrylic model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an acrylic resin master model with four implants.
• Utilized four direct transfer impression techniques: nonsplinted, splinted, airborne particle-abraded, and unilateral acrylic extension copings.
• Measured linear horizontal distances on stone casts using a traveling microscope.
• Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.

Main Results:

• The direct nonsplinted transfer coping technique demonstrated significantly greater anterior and posterior horizontal distances compared to the master model (P < 0.05).
• This technique also showed significantly higher horizontal variations than the other three impression techniques evaluated (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Stone casts produced using the direct nonsplinted transfer impression technique exhibit significantly lower dimensional accuracy.
• Alternative direct transfer impression techniques provide more accurate results for dental implant casts.